Messi misses 0-0 draw at Costa Rica

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica – Lionel Messi was sidelined with a leg injury and Argentina managed only a lackluster scoreless draw with Costa Rica on Wednesday in an international friendly at the Ticos' new national stadium.

Argentina coach Sergio Batista said the Barcelona star had a minor injury to his right leg, leaving him out of lineup after saying he planned to play.

Batista also rested most of his other top players. Midfielder Javier Mascherano and defender Gabriel Milito were the only regular starters among the first 11.

Batsita said before the match the decision was his, denying he was pressured to rest Messi. His absence clearly disappointed the sellout at Costa Rica's new national stadium, where many fans had hoped to see the world's best player on the field.

The second-string Argentina team played on mostly even terms with the Central Americans in a match that lacked rhythm and attacking, both teams touching the ball a few times and then giving it up.

Batista said he needed to play his "B'' lineup to get a look at player for the Copa America, the continental championship which opens July 1 in Argentina.

"You can't always think of putting on a show," he said. "You also have to think about what is coming."

Neither team did much in the first half. Argentina had most of the possession but failed to generate many scoring threats, with Costa Rica trying to take advantage on the counterattack.

Argentina's Marcos Angeleri probably had the best chance in the second half, hitting a blistering shot from 18 meters in the 63rd that Costa Rica keeper Keylor Navas deflected just wide of the goal.

Costa Rica's Michael Barrantes Rojas had a chance to score the winner minutes from the end, but missed by inches connecting on a ball in front or Argentina keeper Mariano Andujar.

Argentina drew 1-1 on Saturday against the United States in a friendly at East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The match was played in Costa Rica's new national stadium built in the capital by the Chinese government. China and Costa Rica established diplomatic relations in 2007.